The Written Word Leads to Spoken Words

I have been fasting this summer . . . from books. It's been nice. I've had more space in my head and time on my hands to pray and to think. However, I am on pins and needles waiting for my inaugural book from Amazon-the one book worthy of breaking my fast. It is a book about being a bridesmaid, which is what I am (or is it what I WILL BE?) At a party yesterday, I was drawn to a book on the bookshelf about wedding etiquette when I realized to my great dismay how rude it would be to ignore all the other guests and immerse myself in this book. I would liken the feeling to someone who's trying to quit smoking seeing a carton of the finest cigarettes on the shelf and having to do everything to keep himself from grabbing one. But I was good. I restrained myself, and talked to some people (who were all lovely and interesting.) I still wanted to read-even just FEEL-the book, though. So, when no one was conversing with me, I slipped to the shelf, stealthily grabbed the book, and took it back to my seat. I hadn't read more than a few words when someone asked me what I was reading, which I gladly showed them, and then I went on to explain why I was interested in that book, which led to more conversation. The book was now no more than a mere weight on my lap. Soon, my friend left to get food, and I read a few more words, and the owner of the book sat next to me, and we started talking about why she owned the book, which led to talking about her job, which led to talking about her childhood and family and conversion to Christ. My new friend let me take her book home with me, and it has been a splendid diversion as I eagerly await the arrival of my own book.